With another Earth Day approaching, the Powell Valley Recycling center is expanding the categories of acceptable recycled items.

That’s in addition to once again paying 25 cents per pound for aluminum during the week of Earth Day. That week the center will be open April 23-25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and 9-3 p.m. April 27.

Marynell Oechsner, president of the nonprofit organization’s board, said medicine bottles with caps and a wide range of electronics are being accepted as part of partnerships with organizations or people who will then pick up the recycled goods.

Marsha Neubert recently approached PVR regarding becoming a collection point for over the counter and prescription pill bottles. Oeschner said she picks up the bottles that PVR collects, cleans them, takes off the labels, packages and ships them to Ohio where Matthew 25: Ministries send them to be reused for humanitarian purposes in underdeveloped countries.

The center’s acceptance of electronic equipment such as desktops, laptops, TV's microwaves, stereo equipment, radios — but not large and small household appliances — stems from a partnership with Wyatt Kruse of Omega Yellow Computing of Greybull. He picks up the electronics, refurbishes desktops, laptops and similar devices, and ships the rest to Green Tech Solutions in Billings.

Along with the new items, the center is finally seeing some higher prices for other commodities it accepts, such as cardboard, enabling more revenue to come in from selling bales. It’s a needed change, because PCR had a difficult year financially in 2023.

“We’ve got some catching up to do, so it helps the markets have been better,” she said, adding they also greatly appreciate the support from the city of Powell and other donors.

In the past year PVR has received $950 in private donations.

Approximately 50% of people who use the recycling facility are from Powell and the other 50% is from people who reside in Park County and the Big Horn Basin.  

“A big thank you to all those who recycle with us,” Oechsner, said.

“In the past year, PVR also appreciates the nearly $950 in private donations received from local patrons who help keep our doors open so recycling can continue in our community.  A big thank you to all who recycle with us,” she added.

Now the organization is looking for more funding to be able to purchase a machine that will enable the center to process recycled glass into sand.

A small local Powell group, apply named Crush It, Oechsner, said, has begun the process of grant writing in order to raise enough money so PVR can purchase, install and begin recycling glass. All funds collected for this project will go towards the purchase of a glass pulverizer by Andela Products. Estimated cost of the pulverizer and installation on site at PVR is approximately $120,000. 

Thus far Crush It has secured $25,000 in grants with more grants pending. PVR will gladly accept donations for the purchase of the equipment needed to recycle glass from the community.

“All of these new endeavors for PVR mentioned above, are in concert with PVR's mission statement which is dedicated to conserving natural resources, reducing the flow of solid waste into our landfills and providing adequate opportunities for recycling materials throughout the Big Horn Basin,” Oechsner, said.

PVR is always looking for people interested in serving on the volunteer board. The board at PVR manages all aspects of recycling business. The board relies on their great part time employees to assist the volunteer board to keep the doors open, help patrons with their recycling drop offs and process the materials collected.